Miami’s pursuit of blue-chip Florida safety Devin Jackson isn’t over just because he committed to Oregon in July. The 2026 four-star could be a flip watch candidate, with Miami and Florida remaining in regular contact. Jackson’s longstanding relationship with Hurricanes safeties coach Will Harris is a meaningful tether back home and puts Miami ahead of the Gators (Jackson went back on his pledge to Florida in April).
Harris was the primary recruiter when Jackson first pledged to Florida, and that bond simply moved zip codes when Harris joined UM. Reportedly, Jackson enjoyed visiting Coral Gables and spending time with Harris and the secondary room. At minimum, the Ducks won the summer with Jackson, but the Canes have made an impression. Jackson took an official visit to UM in early June, then went to Oregon, Florida, and Nebraska before picking Oregon. According to Rivals, Florida actually leads among schools with total visits (11), but none were OV's.
"The former Gator commit still has a strong relationship with Miami defensive backs coach Will Harris, who initially recruited him during his time at Florida. Jackson does seem solid with the Ducks at the moment, but this is a situation to monitor until signing day."Rivals Marcus Benjamin
As a prospect, Jackson checks the boxes of what Mario Cristobal really needs on the back end. Standing at 6-foot-2, and weighing 195 pounds with rangy movement skills, Jackson has a ton of physicality to his game. The 247Sports Composite currently slots him as the No. 16 safety and No. 174 overall in 2026. He plays his high school ball at The First Academy in Winter Garden, FL.
The Miami Hurricanes have one safety and four CB's committed for the 2026 class. 4-star S Cortez Redding out of the state of Georgia pledged to Miami back in July.
If Miami fans deliver a charged Sunday-night atmosphere against Notre Dame, and the Canes get some big early-season wins, then the “stay home and play for trophies” pitch gets louder. The race could be active into the winter if that is the case.